RangefindNovember 6gazine has revealed its annual selection of the top wedding photographers, currently in its fourth year of publication, featuring the work of 30 photographers to keep an eye on. The list of over 200 photographers was selected through recommendations from wedding planners, editors, and previous recipients. A panel of judges, including Rangefinder Editor-in-Chief Jacqueline Tobin, selected the 30 photographers that make up the list. Please view some of their work here and browse the online gallery of Rangefinder to view work by the entire list of honorees for this year.
“30 Rising Stars of Wedding Photography”
Honorees Chosen from more than 200 entries All over the world represent “Remarkable Talent and Inspiration for Photographers at All Levels of Experience and Expertise.”
New York – November 6, 2015, New York, November 6, 2015, Rangefinder magazine, the leading publication for photographers of weddings and portraits as well as the official publiNovember six the annual November Photographers International (WPPI) Conference + Expo, is pleased to announce the photographers who were selected for the 4th edition of its “30 Rising Stars of Wedding Photography.” The photographers were chosen from over 200 portfolios from around the world, which included entries from Croatia, France, England, New Zealand, Scotland, Tahiti, and all across the U.S. A display of photos of the thirty Rising Stars will be on display at the WPPI Conference + Expo in Las Vegas from March 3-10 in 2016.
“The work submitted by this year’s nominees represented an incredible sense of creativity and uniqueness that reflects a fresh perspective on an age-old event by a new crop of image makers,” Explains Jacqueline Tobin, editor-in-chief of Rangefinder and a member of the judge’s panel this year. “We were amazed by the drama, ambiance and the atmosphere of several of the entries which resulted in some truly amazing wedding pictures. The work of the 30 winners is impressive and continues to inspire for photographers of every level in the business.”
In 2014, Rising Star Erum Rizvi further discussed the effects of the challenge, “referrals, support and motivation are essential to remaining relevant in this business. The ability to learn from colleagues and having a strong support system pushes us forward as a group and an organization.”
Every year, the top industry professionals such as wedding planners, photo editors, bloggers, photographers, and former Rising Stars are asked to nominate photographers who have demonstrated extraordinary quality and imagination in their work. They have been professional photographers for five or fewer years.
Nominated couples are asked to send a portfolio comprising 30 photographs that depict crucial moments during the wedding day, including the ceremony, group and individual portraits, reception, as well as other important instances. Some of the things that the judges and nominators will be looking for in entries include emotions that are genuine from subjects’ unique composition and perspectives and an unrelenting desire to experiment when they work. “For me, I look for images that take my breath away, have what I call a ‘gut-punch’ impact, and are fresh and timeless,” says Tobin.
In addition to Tobin, judges for this year’s competition included Rangefinder’sfeatures editor Libby Peterson, art director Kelly O’Leary, WPPI director Jason Groupp, and custom media manager Moneer Masih-Tehrani. The panel devoted three weeks to looking at the entries, debating, and even discussing more than 6,000 photos. What impressed the jury most, in addition to the submissions of the entries, was that a third of the contestants were filming at some point during their careers, and around one quarter had been professionally shooting for 21Z2 or less.
“Being selected as part of ‘the 30’ gives a sense of validation and acceptance within the industry,” is the explanation of the 2015 Rising Star Chris Sansom of Sansom Photography, which he owns with his wife Verity, based from his home in the U.K. “Being part of this exclusive collection is the distinction between looking at the work we do as work and embracing it as a passion which we are willing to put our whole heart and soul into. Verity and I are delighted and humbled by this honor.”
In the course of the WPPI conference, the honorees, nominees, and judges will be able to take part in an open discussion in which they will share what they have learned from their own experiences. Discuss the way they work in a manner that allows them to attain exceptional status, and discuss what they were seeking when they submitted their names to this year’s contest. Panel discussions will be held on March 7, 2016, between 4 and 5 pm. To find out more details on the event, go to this page. WPPI 2016 Seminar Calendar.
To see the work created by this year’s “30March 7 Stars of Wedding Photography,” go to the gallery online created by 30 Rising Stars sponsor ShootProof. The exhibit of prints during WPPI was created with the help of thirty Rising Stars patron Richard Photo Lab.
